Vietnam

Vietnam from north to south

4,6/5 (23 reviews)

Réf : AVIACX

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Stay Hiking / Trekking >
Vietnam from north to south

In summary

Sports

Hiking / Trekking
Duration
16 days
Level
Intermediate

Levels

Hiking / Trekking

Beginner

For those wishing to walk for up to 3 hours with minimal elevation gain (max. 300m) along roads, tracks, trails, or rolling terrain. Suitable for everyone.

Intermediate

For those wishing to hike for 4 to 5 hours a day, covering an elevation gain of around 600m on trails. You hike occasionally and are in good physical condition.

Confirmed

For those wishing to hike for up to 6 hours a day and/or cover an elevation gain of 600 to 800 meters, both on and off-trail. High-altitude sections are possible. You engage in a sporting activity once a week, hike regularly, and are in very good physical condition.

Advanced

For those wishing to undertake multi-day hikes involving over 6 hours of walking and an elevation gain of 700 to 1,200 meters, off-trail or over rugged terrain. High-altitude sections are possible. You engage in endurance sports several times a week, hike regularly, and are in excellent physical condition.

Expert

For those who want a challenging hike of 7 to 8 hours per day with over 1200 meters of elevation gain off-trail or on rough terrain. High-altitude sections. You have been practicing high-intensity endurance sports several times a week for several years, and you are training for this event.
Destination
Asia / Vietnam
Age
From the age of 18
CO₂-Emissions
219.94 kg CO2
Type of stay

This group trip is perfect for travelers who want to experience a sporting adventure with other enthusiasts and be guided.

Type of stay
In a group
Languages

🇫🇷
French

In a few words

Discover Vietnam from north to south on an unforgettable journey, where each day holds its share of surprises and wonders. Upon arrival in Hanoi, we'll immerse ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of the Old Quarter (also known as the 36 Streets). We'll explore the historical and cultural treasures of this captivating city before venturing to the ethnic markets of Coc Ly and the colorful villages of Bac Ha. The mountainous region of Ha Giang will reveal its spectacular landscapes and authentic ethnic minorities. After crossing the majestic Ha Long Bay, we'll continue south towards Hue and its imperial treasures, before reaching the charming town of Hoi An. Finally, we'll conclude our adventure in the lush Mekong Delta, exploring floating markets and enjoying leisurely bike rides. This north-south Vietnam trip promises a complete immersion in the heart of Vietnamese culture.

The highlights

A 2-day trek through the villages of the North, between rice paddies and encounters with ethnic groups.
Discover the traditional market of Coc Ly, a hub of local trade
Cruise with overnight stay on a traditional junk in Ha Long Bay

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Photos

Randonneurs dans les rizières au Vietnam

Une femme et une fille dans les rizières de Ha Giang au Vietnam

Femme des minorités ethniques du Haut Tonkin au Vietnam

Marchande ambulante à vélo de légumes à Hanoï au Vietnam

Vue sur le massif du massif Song Chay au Vietnam

Randonneurs dans les montagnes du Vietnam

Marché flottant du Long Xuyen, Croisière delta du Mékong, Vietnam

trek vietnam voyage Vietnam nord vietnam Tonkin

Sport

Level

Hiking / Trekking

Intermediate

For those wishing to hike for 4 to 5 hours a day, covering an elevation gain of around 600m on trails. You hike occasionally and are in good physical condition.

The expert's opinion

This trip presents no technical difficulties and requires no special experience. It is accessible to anyone in good physical condition who wishes to discover Vietnam on an adventure trip. Days 5, 6, and 7 may be more challenging than the rest of the circuit. You will be hiking at an average altitude of 1000 meters, with ascents and descents ranging from 200 to 800 meters . The hike on day 6 lasts on average between 5 and 6 hours.

In figures

Hiking

Average duration/day: 3h30
Average distance/day: 125 km
Average daily elevation gain: 375 m
Average daily descent: 50 m

Management

During this stay, a supervisor will be present to guide and assist you.

Band : 1 supervisor for 1 to 15 people

Languages spoken:

🇫🇷

French

Supervisor

Program

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Day 8

Day 9

Day 10

Day 11

Day 12

Day 13

Day 14

Day 15

Day 16

Flight to Hanoi
- Transportation 00h45
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
International flight to Hanoi.
Day 1
Hanoi
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
You will be met at the airport by our French-speaking Vietnamese guide and transferred to the heart of the Old Quarter where our hotel is located. Depending on your arrival time in Hanoi, we will stroll through the Old Quarter, also known as the 36 Streets, where each alleyway has its own unique character and shops. Upon arrival, you will be immediately immersed in the vibrant atmosphere of this historic district of Hanoi.
Day 2
Visit to Hanoi
- Transportation TER / Metro / Tram - 08h - 288km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Hanoi is undoubtedly the most beautiful city in Vietnam, with its neighborhoods adorned with lakes lined with numerous trees, its cafes where poetry is discussed, its early risers practicing Tai Chi at 5 a.m. around Hoan Kiem Lake, or playing Chinese chess at Ngoc Son Temple. We visit the city according to the layout of the royal urban plan, which confined the royal family, people, and their activities according to hierarchical criteria, in accordance with Confucianism and Feng Shui geomancy: West Lake, Tran Vu Temple, the One Pillar Pagoda, the Temple of Literature, Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Pagoda, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum... In the late evening, we take the overnight sleeper train to the Highlands.
Day 3
Lao Cai - Coc Ly Ethnic Market - Bac Ha
- Transportation Minibus - 03h - 100km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h30
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Early in the morning, upon our arrival in Lao Cai, we had breakfast at a local restaurant. Then we set off for the weekly market in Coc Ly, where villagers from the surrounding area come to buy and sell a variety of goods: fruits, vegetables, alcohol, livestock, clothing, and more. The market is also a place where people share gossip, where singles try their luck at flirting, and where people simply come to stroll. For the occasion, the ethnic minorities (Hmong, Dao, Tay, etc.) dress in their finest traditional costumes. We enjoyed the lively atmosphere and vibrant colors of this local market, then drove to the Bac Ha region, located in the Song Chay mountain range, the most isolated territory in the area, home to no fewer than ten ethnic groups with distinct cultures and ways of life. The afternoon was spent hiking through the villages of the Pu Lao, Nung, and Tay minorities. We walk amidst the karst mountains with beautiful views of the terraced rice paddies.
Day 4
Bac Ha - Start of the trek - The Hong Phong
- Transportation Minibus - 05h - 150km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h30
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Accommodation Staying with a local resident
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We head east to Ha Giang province for a beautiful trek, completely off the beaten track, to meet the ethnic minorities of Upper Tonkin. At kilometer 38, we are greeted by our local team: guide, porters, cook, assistants… and then it's off for two unforgettable days of walking through villages and rice paddies! We begin with about a two-hour walk on easy terrain. We are in the region inhabited by the Red Dao and Tay people. We sleep in a Tay stilt house at Hoang and Chali's.
Day 5
The Hong Phong - Khoa Ha
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Positive elevation gain 600 m
- Negative elevation 200 m
- Accommodation Staying with a local resident
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The day begins with a steady climb offering splendid views of the terraced rice paddies carved into the mountainsides. We then descend to the village of Nam Son and continue our trek to a small village inhabited by the Black Dao community. We share lunch with a local family. The afternoon is punctuated by several ascents and descents through forests, terraced rice paddies, centuries-old tea plantations, and villages inhabited by the Red Dao and Black Dao communities. This leg of the journey finally leads us to the hamlet of Khoa Ha, where we will spend the night in a house surrounded by rice paddies, with a family from the Red Dao community. Dinner will be prepared and shared with the family and the local team.
Day 6
Khoa Ha - Nam Hong
- Transportation Minibus - 01h - 8km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 500 km
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We leave our hosts to begin our final day of hiking. The trail follows a stream, then climbs gradually through terraced rice paddies that sculpt the mountainsides. Once at the top of the pass, we are rewarded with a panoramic view of the entire valley. We stop for lunch with a Red Dao community, then continue our hike to Nam Hong, where we will spend the night in a guesthouse. The afternoon is free; you can take the opportunity to relax and admire the scenery while enjoying a cold beer.
Day 7
Nam Hong - Hanoi
- Transportation Minibus - 06h30 - 300km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We take a small mountain road to reach National Route 2, which leads us south towards Hanoi. Along the way, we pass through rice paddies, as well as fields of orange trees, dragon fruit, sugarcane, and tea. We stop for lunch at a local restaurant. Once we arrive in Hanoi, we check into our hotel located in the Old Quarter. For dinner, we have the opportunity to sample Hanoi's culinary specialties.
Day 8
Hanoi - Halong Bay
- Transportation 04h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We depart for Ha Long Bay, exploring a more secluded and unspoiled area, far from mass tourism. Ha Long Bay, in the Gulf of Tonkin, boasts approximately 1,600 islands and islets, creating a spectacular seascape of limestone pillars. Late morning, in Bay Chay, we board a junk where we are welcomed by the crew. We sail among the limestone karsts and lushly vegetated islets. We encounter fishermen and pearl oyster farmers who live in floating houses on the bay. If possible, we visit one of them. We stop to explore one of the many caves in the area. We enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and enchanting setting of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dinner and overnight stay on board the junk.
Day 9
Ha Long Bay on land - overnight train to Hue
- Transportation TER / Metro / Tram - 13h - 790km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We leave Halong Bay in the morning to head south to the Red River Delta. The region is dotted with karst limestone formations, which is why it's often called the "Halong Bay on land." Waterways meander through rice paddies, winding around hills and sheltering caves converted into pagodas. We travel by boat among the karst peaks, rice paddies, and caves... It's one of Vietnam's must-see natural sites. In the late afternoon, we go to Ninh Binh to catch the overnight train to Hue.
Day 10
Visit to Hue
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We arrive early in the morning in the royal city of the last dynasty. Cinnamon and aromatic plants float down the river from the Annamite Cordillera... The Perfume River may have derived its name from this, unless the courtesans who plied their trade in sampans on the river filled the surrounding area with their captivating fragrances. Following the Perfume River, we explore Hue, once the capital of the Nguyen emperors, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993. We begin our day of sightseeing in the south of the city, where the magnificent mausoleums of the Nguyen kings are located. We visit the tomb of Minh Mang, the most majestic of all, renowned as much for its architecture as for its wooded setting. After this visit, we have lunch on board our sampan, then we sail towards the Thien Mu Pagoda, also known as the Pagoda of the Celestial Lady. Built on a hill overlooking the Perfume River, this six-story pagoda is one of the country's iconic cultural sites. In the afternoon, we also visit the citadel and the Forbidden City, symbols of this unique feudal capital.
Day 11
Hue - An Bang Beach - Hoi An
- Transportation Minibus - 03h - 125km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We head south towards Hoi An. On the way, we stop in Da Nang to visit the Parmentier Museum, dedicated to the Cham civilization, a reminder that we are in the heart of the ancient Champa kingdom, which the Vietnamese rulers took ten centuries to gradually subsume. We make another stop, this time on An Bang beach for lunch. For those who wish, it's an opportunity to cool off in the South China Sea. After lunch, we continue on to Hoi An. The afternoon is dedicated to visiting this former trading post, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; it's a place where merchants and adventurers came to buy spices, silk, and calambac wood.
Day 12
Hoi An - Flight to the Mekong Delta - Cycling tour in the Can Tho countryside
- Transportation Minibus - 02h - 90km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Those feeling energetic can get up early to visit the bustling Hoi An market, especially lively in the early morning. After breakfast, we head to Da Nang airport for our flight to Can Tho, where we say goodbye to our first guide. Upon arrival at Can Tho airport, we meet our second guide. Can Tho is located in the heart of the Mekong Delta, where the waters meander and branch out into a multitude of channels, creating fertile islands. The alluvial soil is rich, and the murky waters teem with fish. Water here is synonymous with abundance. We find this abundance not only in the fields but also in the floating and land-based markets. Once we arrive in Can Tho, we visit some of its most beautiful cultural sites: the Ong Pagoda with its Chinese architecture, and the Binh Thuy House, a beautifully preserved bourgeois house that served as a set for the filming of Jean-Jacques Arnaud's film "The Lover." Then, in the late afternoon, we take a short bike ride through villages and along canals to discover the countryside surrounding Can Tho. We spend the night in a superb ecolodge located on the banks of a small canal and built entirely of bamboo.
Day 13
Cai Rang Markets – Vinh Long – Saigon
- Transportation Minibus - 04h - 170km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Upon waking, we set off on a boat trip to observe the lakeside lifestyle of the Mekong Delta. In this aquatic world, boats, houses, and even shops float on the countless waterways that feed the Mekong River. We visit the Cai Rang floating market, where a myriad of boats and barges overflowing with fruits and vegetables gather every day. Every morning, traders and locals meet there to buy and sell their wares. If possible, we board one of the cargo boats and sample exotic fruits. After this unique spectacle, we continue our journey through the canals, observing the comings and goings of small and large boats. We encounter fishermen, traders, schoolchildren, and more. Once ashore, we stroll through the land-based market and discover the richness and variety of the delta's produce. After this excursion, we return to the hotel for breakfast. After a short rest, we set off for Vinh Long, where we board a small boat to meet Mekong River artisans who create a variety of crafts: coconut candies, rice cakes, pottery, and more. After the visit, we have lunch on An Binh Island and then continue our journey to Ho Chi Minh City, arriving in the late afternoon. Free time. Dinner in the city.
Day 14
Saigon - Return flight.
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
This last day in Vietnam is spent amidst the bustle of the country's economic capital. The city has a relatively recent history; aside from the consolidation of a few pre-existing villages of Vietnamese settlers and Khmer populations, it was built by the French at the end of the 19th century. We explore the First District, where we discover the old colonial buildings, now converted into administrative offices. We then visit the former Chinese quarter of Cholon, now part of the Cité district. Depending on your return flight, we will be transferred to the airport and fly back to Paris.
Day 15
Arrival in Paris.
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Flight and arrival in Paris.
Day 16

Note

This itinerary is provided as a guide only: depending on weather and operational conditions, your tour guide may modify this itinerary for your safety and that of the group.

Accommodation

During this stay, you will sleep in several different accommodations.

- Days 3, 10 And 13

On this trip you will stay in a wide variety of accommodations : hotels, with locals, on a boat, on a train…

Hotels: you sleep in hotels located in the city centre, in double rooms with private bathroom (standard equivalent to 2 or 3* French).
Boats: on Ha Long Bay: overnight stay on board a traditional junk equipped with air-conditioned cabins for 2 people, of good standard with private toilet and bathroom.
Train: you sleep in a (air-conditioned) carriage equipped with 4 basic but comfortable berths.
Staying with local families during hikes/treks: This allows for meaningful encounters, discovery, and sharing with the local people. You will most often be welcomed into the main room of their home, where you will eat meals and spend the night. Mattresses, light blankets (sleeping bags or liners are recommended depending on the season), and mosquito nets are provided. Comfort is often basic, but a warm and friendly atmosphere is guaranteed. There is no hot water or heating, but almost all houses have electricity (albeit sometimes unreliable!). Domestic animals roam freely in the surrounding area, and roosters don't always wait for dawn to crow… A truly authentic experience of rural Vietnam, off the beaten path!

🏨 2-star hotel - Days 4, 8, 11 to 12, 14

On this trip you will stay in a wide variety of accommodations : hotels, with locals, on a boat, on a train…

Hotels: you sleep in hotels located in the city centre, in double rooms with private bathroom (standard equivalent to 2 or 3* French).
Boats: on Ha Long Bay: overnight stay on board a traditional junk equipped with air-conditioned cabins for 2 people, of good standard with private toilet and bathroom.
Train: you sleep in a (air-conditioned) carriage equipped with 4 basic but comfortable berths.
Staying with local families during hikes/treks: This allows for meaningful encounters, discovery, and sharing with the local people. You will most often be welcomed into the main room of their home, where you will eat meals and spend the night. Mattresses, light blankets (sleeping bags or liners are recommended depending on the season), and mosquito nets are provided. Comfort is often basic, but a warm and friendly atmosphere is guaranteed. There is no hot water or heating, but almost all houses have electricity (albeit sometimes unreliable!). Domestic animals roam freely in the surrounding area, and roosters don't always wait for dawn to crow… A truly authentic experience of rural Vietnam, off the beaten path!

Staying with a local resident - Days 5 to 6

On this trip you will stay in a wide variety of accommodations : hotels, with locals, on a boat, on a train…

Hotels: you sleep in hotels located in the city centre, in double rooms with private bathroom (standard equivalent to 2 or 3* French).
Boats: on Ha Long Bay: overnight stay on board a traditional junk equipped with air-conditioned cabins for 2 people, of good standard with private toilet and bathroom.
Train: you sleep in a (air-conditioned) carriage equipped with 4 basic but comfortable berths.
Staying with local families during hikes/treks: This allows for meaningful encounters, discovery, and sharing with the local people. You will most often be welcomed into the main room of their home, where you will eat meals and spend the night. Mattresses, light blankets (sleeping bags or liners are recommended depending on the season), and mosquito nets are provided. Comfort is often basic, but a warm and friendly atmosphere is guaranteed. There is no hot water or heating, but almost all houses have electricity (albeit sometimes unreliable!). Domestic animals roam freely in the surrounding area, and roosters don't always wait for dawn to crow… A truly authentic experience of rural Vietnam, off the beaten path!

Access

Departure

Hanoi Siva Luxury Hotel

Day 1 : 18h00

End of stay

Acnos Hotel Saigon

Day 16 - 12h00

Go to the starting point

Access by plane

The nearest airport ishanoi

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Price details

The price includes

International flights departing from Paris
The domestic flight between Danang and Can Tho
Air taxes
Local transfers in private vehicles
Accommodation in a double room
All meals except those indicated as free in the program
The team of porters and cooks during the trek
The tour will be led by two French-speaking Vietnamese tour guides (one for the north and central regions, and one for the south).
Entrance fees to the sites and visits included in the trip
Institutional tips (restaurants, hotels, local guides, boat crew, trekking team, etc.)

The price does not include

Visa fees
Personal expenses
Drinks
Tips for your French-speaking guides and drivers (at your discretion)

Options

Flex fare and insurance

Practical information

Specific formalities

Equipment

They traveled with us

Discover the authentic experiences of our travelers

4,6/5

(23 reviews)

At Decathlon, the reviews are reliable.

Reviews displayed in reverse chronological order

Marie

december 2024

Translated from French

A very good experience that allowed me to discover the country in all its aspects.

Published on 24/12/2024

Anne

november 2024

Published on 19/11/2024

Isabelle

september 2024

Published on 24/09/2024

Decathlon Travel Partner

The Paulin team

4.4/5 (2842 reviews) • 821 stays

For over 30 years, our local partner has been designing adventure walking trips around the world. Specializing in small-group treks, they cater to both casual hikers and seasoned trekkers seeking unspoiled natural environments and a return to the essentials. Their key strength? They own their own agencies in over 30 countries, guaranteeing complete trip creation from start to finish, without intermediaries. This direct, on-the-ground expertise ensures memorable active experiences and total freedom amidst breathtaking landscapes.

Discover their team and their trips

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In summary

In a few words

The highlights

Photos

Sport

Level

Hiking / Trekking

The expert's opinion

In figures

Hiking

Management

Program

Flight to Hanoi

Hanoi

Visit to Hanoi

Lao Cai - Coc Ly Ethnic Market - Bac Ha

Bac Ha - Start of the trek - The Hong Phong

The Hong Phong - Khoa Ha

Khoa Ha - Nam Hong

Nam Hong - Hanoi

Hanoi - Halong Bay

Ha Long Bay on land - overnight train to Hue

Visit to Hue

Hue - An Bang Beach - Hoi An

Hoi An - Flight to the Mekong Delta - Cycling tour in the Can Tho countryside

Cai Rang Markets – Vinh Long – Saigon

Saigon - Return flight.

Arrival in Paris.

Note

Accommodation

Access

Go to the starting point

Price details

The price includes

The price does not include

Options

Practical information

Specifics

Equipment to bring

Clothing to bring

They traveled with us

Marie 100% Verified Reviews: Only travelers who have booked with us can leave a review. All reviews are subject to human moderation. Reviews that do not comply with the moderation rules are rejected.

Anne 100% Verified Reviews: Only travelers who have booked with us can leave a review. All reviews are subject to human moderation. Reviews that do not comply with the moderation rules are rejected.

Isabelle 100% Verified Reviews: Only travelers who have booked with us can leave a review. All reviews are subject to human moderation. Reviews that do not comply with the moderation rules are rejected.

The Paulin team

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Marie

Anne

Isabelle